Side Walk Talk

This post is a bit shorter than most, but I felt that this particular experience deserved a special call out.

Since quitting my job, I’ve been in San Francisco a little less than a week so far! I spent the day out exploring the city, which is an absolute pleasure – more on that later. I’m not really sure which direction I went (I told you I’d get lost), but I managed to get home okay and that’s what matters!

Walking down the side walk I heard a voice saying “Who pisses you off? What’s bothering you? Let’s talk about it.” Looking in her direction, I saw pairs of people sitting across from one another in lawn chairs, talking. I had to check it out.

#sidewalktalk

We chatted for a bit about the #SideWalkTalk project. Their mission is to offer no fee counseling services for those that can’t afford them. As someone who could have used a service like this a few years ago (and still?), I mentioned that I was from Chicago and that it would be great to have this back home. She happily said “oh, you can!” and pulled out some information directing me to a DIY Kit for your own city.

It turns out that Chicago already has Side Walk Talk! Friends , if you could use some love and support please check out Side Walk Talk. Once (if) I end up getting settled, this is definitely something I would want to get involved in.

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Mental and emotional health are both aspects of our being that are often neglected. Not only by society and the lack of resources and education as a whole, but on a personal level as well. Sometimes we forget to take care of ourselves other than the occasional salad or taking the stairs. Alright, maybe I’m projecting there, but I still think it’s a true statement to say: We could all take better care of our mental and emotional well-being.

I’ve struggled with depression myself, and anxiety is an ongoing battle for me. I have many people in my life who have been effected with either (or both) mental and emotional issues that could benefit from a service like this. What they are doing is amazing and needed!

I was incredibly inspired by Side Walk Talks and their mission and wanted to share it with you. If you need someone to talk to, I would encourage you to look for a Side Walk Talk in your area or to call one of the hotlines listed on the back of the card pictured above.